Brassy to Classy...

(Before)

(Before)

Our brass door knobs have always bugged me. I've been wanting to switch them out for the anodized version for a while. I decided to go for it.

I went to HD to purchase the new knobs and they were $15 a set.

Ouch.

I have 18 doors.

(After)

(After)

So, I took a detour down the paint isle. I picked up a can of Rustoleum spray paint in oil rubbed bronze and a can of Rustoleum metal primer (for adhesion).

I am so happy with the results. The entire project cost $12 for the 2 cans of paint and took about an hour to complete, plus dry time.

You honestly can not tell the difference between the spray painted knobs and the real ones.

Check out Frugal Friday @ The Shabby Nest for other great ideas.

Grandpas Playhouse

Evidently, I'm not the only one in my family that has a "thing" for Yellow Cape Cods...

This is my Grandfathers backyard. He purchased this adorable playhouse in Northern Michigan from an Amish Carpenter. Isn't it to die for? It's fully furnished with hand crafted furniture, a kitchenette, loft, and is heated, and wired.

Brickpaver paths lead the way from the main house to the front porch. The window boxes are always loaded with blooms. Just outside the playhouse is a waterfall and stocked Coy Pond.

It is a child's fantasy. Sometimes I ...the kids... play here for hours.

Dr. Suess Chair "How To"

Since my post about my new "Dr. Suess" chair, I have had many inquiries on how we re-covered it. I'm sure this is not the proper way but, it's what worked for us. It was so easy that we can't wait to do it again. Maybe one for the master bedroom.

I scored this chair at a local thrift store for $30.  Here's how it looked when I brought it home...

The first thing we did was pull off the existing fabric.  Along the way, we took digital photos so that we would remember which piece went where.

We left all the batting in tact since it was still in great condition.

Each piece was used as a pattern to cut the new fabric. I found this fun zebra print at my favorite fabric store for $10/yd. This project took 5 yards.

Using a staple gun, we applied the new pieces in the opposite order that they were removed.

The last piece was the trickiest. It was the front of the arms. They were applied using a "u" shaped upholstery needle and thread (so the staples wouldn't show) The seat cushion was removed and recovered (this was the only sewing involved).

This was the first time I attempted a DIY upholstering job.  It turned out to be a pretty simple project. The total cost was $80. Thanks, Mom.

This project is linked up to:

The Shabby Nest  Fingerprints on the fridge Crazy Domestic/Somewhat Simple Miss Mustard Seeds

Family Command Center

{To read my response to the controversy that erupted over this project, please {click here}.}

Now that I am back to work, things are a lot different in our house. In an effort to stay somewhat organized, I have taken some unused space in our hallway and turned it into a command center.

Each child has a tote bag with their clothes for the day, lunch money and special notes from Mom. The chalk board reminds them of their daily responsibilities.

I added iron hooks to the existing shelf. ($3 each)

I printed the childrens names from my computer onto iron on transfer paper to make the personalized totes. ($2 each tote)

The photos can be changed out with each season. I stuck green hydrangeas in these cute urns for a little pop of color.  The chalkboard was made out of MDF and chalk board paint. ($6 for the sheet of MDF and $8 for a can of chalk board paint)

Maybe our mornings will be a little less hectic. If not, at least my hall looks cuter.
Please click Here for information on my Affordable On-Line Design Consultation Service.

Thanks for visiting!

Linked up to:
Chic On A Shoestring
Southern Hospitality

Seasonal Depression=Decorating Therapy

Remember my post the other day about my "longing for summer"? Well, another Michigan snowstorm almost put me over the edge. I decided to take matters into my own hands and add a little spring inside with some simple but fresh accessories. Nothing livens up a space like fresh fruit, vibrant red tulips and a gigantic fern. I took a sample of my kids' colorful artwork and placed it among our black and white display.

Now it feels a little like spring inside even though this is the view of our backyard...

...and this is who greeted us from across the street this morning!

Longing for summer...

My House

My New Landscape Inspiration

Today is a gray Michigan winter day so I am dreaming about summer. I took these inspiration photos on our trip to Niagara Falls, Canada. It was the most beautiful landscaping I've ever seen. I am using these photos as inspiration for plantings this year. As you can see, my landscape is in desperate need of color.

I can hardly wait to get started. If anyone has any experience with any of these varieties, please share!

Repurposed Furniture

This floating desk hangs in my daughters room. Her vintage four poster bed from our previous home didn't fit well into this space. It had a lot of sentimental value to both of us as it was a gift from her Grandparents. We couldn't get rid of it so we re-purposed it into this desk.

First, the four posts were removed (and saved for another project). Then, we took the headboard and the foot board and screwed them together on a 90 degree angle. Then came little caulk in the seam, a little putty over the nail holes, and a coat of white paint. I picked up two large white brackets from Home Depot and mounted the desk into the studs.

Her room is tight on space so a floating desk was a great design solution.

Bathroom Update for less than $30

Before

My kids came to me one day and confessed that they were embarassed of their bathroom. I guess when you are 10, 6, and 3 you are waaayyy to old for little ducks. I had to agree that I was tired of the generic theme as well. It didn't take much convincing for me to change things up in there.

I am still working on the vanity. I am doing something special with it and will post pics soon. I was able to complete this mini-makeover for the cost of a new shower curtain ($6) and towels ($20). I used leftover paint from other rooms in my home and created my own custom artwork out of lumber scraps, leftover paint and glitter (the advice is priceless).

Thanks for visiting!

Black and White Birthday Bash

We had my daughters 10th Birthday party yesterday. She has officially grown out of the character themed party decorations she loved in the past (YES!). This year we classed things up a bit and chose a black, white and red palette.

For the table scape, I used a round black mirror for the base of the cupcake tower. Then, I stacked up my white cake plates and loaded it with custard filled cupcakes. I love the pearlized sprinkles I found at Hobby Lobby. Party bags stuck here and there, curly ribbon tossed around and a few balloons completed our decorations. Very simple and low cost.

Thanks for the idea Pottery Barn!

(Pottery Barn)

(My version)

I saw these cute pillows in the latest Pottery Barn catalog. They were way over my budget with a price tag of $99 just for the pillow covers (not including the inserts).

So, I decided to make my own. I made them out of second hand feather pillows and a canvas painters drop cloth. My version cost less than $20 for all four pillows.

Much better deal!